UPDATE: 2 deceased in Route 54 head-on were passengers

STRONG - Mount Carmel police are reporting two fatalities from a head-on crash that occurred about 12:15 p.m. Monday on Route 54 near here.

The two heavily damaged vehicles, a Chevy Envoy SUV and a Dodge Dakota pickup, came to rest in the eastbound lane between the Turkey Hill and SOS Metals up over the hill from the Route 54-61 intersection. Both deceased were in the SUV, and were passengers, police said. The drivers of the two vehicles were taken to the hospital, one by helicopter, the other by ambulance.

Firefighters are clearing debris and soaking up vehicle fluids.

The highway was clear and dry at the time of the crash.

Route 54 is expected to be closed into the evening hours, PennDOT reports. The detour involves Route 61, Park Avenue in Marion Heights and Sixth Street in Kulpmont.